Saturday, May 30, 2009

Giro Moments

Now that the Giro is almost over, here are some of my opinions formed while watching the internet video replays:

Lance Armstrong appears to be 5-8# heavier (notice I didn’t say “overweight”) than he was when he rode the Tour de France. It’s likely he was on a carefully calculated schedule to lose the weight while he was building fitness for the Giro/TDF, and his broken collarbone derailed his plan. Take those few extra pounds off, and it seems possible that he could have contended for the Maglia Rosa, as those climbs were hard, and the extra weight didn’t help. Will he still be a little “heavy” at Tour time, and eager to play the role of super domestique? I wouldn’t bet on it.

Given the history of the sport, how hard the Giro route was, and how hard they raced day in and day out, do you believe that the race was “clean”? There were no announced drug positives, but I wouldn’t bet on this either.

I know these guys are the best in the world, but it’s hard to believe anybody could do this race without some kind of help.

Bibshorts with a white center panel should be outlawed.

What’s up with Armstrong’s black shoes and socks? Not only does he have to be the only one dressed like this, but he looks like Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler. That Astana (but not Astana) kit is bad enough as it is, and then there is the bike...

These guys absolutely FLY up the climbs.

Last but not least, I know the Miss Giro podium models are tall, but these guys are TINY!

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My recent cycling resume:
Cycling coach for Cycle University (Cycleu.com) Developed Chelan Coaching Camp
• Led Hills of the West Coast ride since 2003
• Written a fitness and cycling column for The Cascade Courier since 2005
• Ride around 10,000 miles a year and climb over 500,000’ per year
• Served on the Cascade Bicycle Club Board of Directors
• Solo-toured the West Coast/rode solo across British Columbia to Jasper, Banff, and back to WA/cycled length of the Cascade Mountains from the North Cascades to the CA border
• Started High Performance Cycling for Cascade Bicycle Club in 2006
• Developed the High Pass Challenge event in 2007. I even got to wear the #1 bib that year!
• In 2007, embarked on a Trans-Pyrenees cycling trip from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. In 2008, cycled in the Italian Alps/Dolomites/French Haute and Maritime Alps
• In 2008, founded Team High Performance Cycling Powered by Cycle U. Now in its ninth year, the team has over 100 members. I am the Team Co-Manager, as well as the Head Coach.